"Frequency of occurrence of extreme natural events has increased in the recent past due to climate change and manmade scenarios mainly contributed by improper handling and interaction with the natural environment. The impacts due to such extreme Natural events are felt serious by man, managers and Mother Nature. In order to face, mitigate, manage and control such extreme natural events, science approaches are required with multidisciplinary blend based mainly on the geographical, metrological, technological and social economic aspects. Prevention, mitigation and resilience to such extreme events is now based on novel iunputs from many different technologies"

Said Vice Chancellor of South Eastern University of Sri Lanka Prof.MMM Najim

Prof Najim was delivering the introductory address on the International Round Table on the impact of extreme natural events; Science and technology for mitigation organized by Research Centre - Technology for Disaster Prevention, South Eastern University of Sri Lanka, National Science and technology Commission, Sri Lanka and Centre for Science and technology of nonaligned and other Developing Countries (NAM S&T Centre Countries. A large number of internationally reputed experts, prominent academics from various parts of the world including India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, United Kingdom and Qatar were present.

The program began with the welcome address by the Chairman, National Science and technology Commission Prof.Dr. MJS Wijeratne was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research Mr. Udaya R. Seneviratne .

Prof. Dr. Arun P.Kulshreshtha , Director General of NAM S&T Centre delivered an informative address.

Prof. Dr. Chandima Gomes Professor of Electrical Engineering of the Department of University Putra Malaysia in his key-note address said that there are no natural disasters. There are only natural extreme events and human disasters. The former is not within our control but the latter is.

The Chief Guest the Secretary to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Research Mr. Udaya R. Seneviratne in his address thanked the Organizers for arranging such an important event in an appropriate time and extended his cordial welcome to the academics from various parts of the world. He assured that his Ministry would extend their fullest co-operation whenever they are in need.

Dr. Muditha Liyanagedera, Director National Science and Technology Commission Sri Lanka, proposed the vote of thanks.

Seven sessions on Extreme Events I, Climate Change, Extreme events II, Plenary speech Earth quake and landslides, Disaster mitigation Technologies I and Disaster Mitigation Technologies II were conducted by the experts in the relevant field.